Prepelic: “Pulling on the Real Madrid jersey is a source of pride and great responsibility”

“Coming to this team was my dream and I've worked hard every day", said the Slovenian in an interview with the club's official media channel.

Klemen Prepelic has spoken to Realmadrid TV and Realmadrid.com for the first time after signing his contract with the club. The Slovenian shooting guard was thrilled to have joined the European champions' squad: "Being here is a dream come true. It's a source of pride to pull on this jersey and I'm aware of the responsibility it entails".

How does it feel to know you'll be playing for the best team in Europe?

I'm so happy to be at Real Madrid, it's a dream come true. I can't stop thinking about it, I'm very excited. It's a huge opportunity for me and a huge commitment. It's a source of great pride to pull on this jersey and I'm aware of the responsibility it entails.

You won Eurobasket with an average of 14 points per game. What can your game bring to Real Madrid?

We won Eurobasket and that was definitely the best two weeks of my life. Individual statistics aren't important. I can bring energy and passion to Real Madrid, the belief that it's the team that wins games, not the individual. Real Madrid have kept the majority of their squad together and it'll be easier to adapt to a team that's already together and will perhaps bring in just one or two additions. Pablo (Laso) knows he can trust me. I've had the chance to speak to him, and I'm sure we'll continue to talk. Everyone has been very welcoming, they've been great and are trying to help me out in any way they can. They've shown me around Madrid and the best places to live with a family. I've got to let all this sink in now, and then it'll be time to set to work.

3. You've played in France, Turkey, Germany, Slovenia and last season you averaged more than 15 points per game. How has all this experience helped you to learn and grow as a player?

I left Slovenia when I was very young. I went to Turkey at 21 years old and it was very tough. I've now been in France for the last two years. The second year was much easier, I was in Paris and there wasn't too much pressure. Individual statistics are not important if the team wins, ultimately it's a team sport and if the group wins, it's good for our careers.

Where does your passion for Real Madrid come from?

I'm a big Real Madrid fan and I know what they represent in football as well. Zidane, Figo, Roberto Carlos, Guti… An era which saw the Real Madrid football team win many titles. As for basketball, I've been following the team since the arrival of Louis Bullock. He's one of my favourite players. Real Madrid is one of the biggest clubs in the world, it was my dream to come here and I've worked hard every day. It's a dream come true and I really want to savour this moment, the time will come to give it 120%. This team will keep winning things and keep the fans happy.

What advice has Doncic given you to succeed in this team?

Luka was in a different situation. He came here at 13 years old. He hadn't played much, didn't speak Spanish, or much English either. The first years were very tough. His mother used to come and visit almost every week. Once he got into the first team, he started to enjoy his basketball. He wasn't under much pressure, he just played his game, it's the sport he loves. Despite the fact he's very young, I learned a lot from him last year, learned to enjoy every moment. We're lucky enough to play basketball, to make a living doing what we love. We have to live it every moment. We've been in touch over the last year and since I found out about Real Madrid's interest our friendship has become closer.

A message for the madridistas.

The dream has come true. I'm going to give it everything I've got to make you proud. I'll give it my all in every game. We're going to enjoy this season together.